Best Gaming Motherboards for 2020 – Find the Best Motherboard for Gaming

The motherboard of your gaming computer connects all of the parts to work together. This vital element of your computer is at the heart of your PC, so it’s important to find the right one for your gaming set up. If you’re building your own gaming PC, you’ll want the best gaming motherboard that fits your other parts like the processor, graphics card, and other features.

The best motherboards for gaming have room for expansions and overclocking capability to push your gaming rig to its full potential. Check out our favorite gaming motherboards to complete your gaming computer!

Pros:

Cons:

Can overclock, but limited

Verdict

The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra is one of the best motherboards for gaming, with lots of advanced features. It works with the latest Intel processors, so it should fit with the best CPUs for gaming, and it’s an ATX motherboard so there’s plenty of room for expansions. If you’re looking for a larger motherboard with lots of added features and aesthetics, this is a great choice. The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra also has thermal guard as well as “armor” that makes for a stronger build.

Asus ROG Maximus XI Hero Z390 Gaming Motherboard

Features:

Built for overclocking based on smart prediction and thermal telemetry with FanXpert 4 dynamic system cooling

Increased speed with Dual M.2 slots

Aura Sync RGB lighting with addressable headers

Pre mounted I/O shield ensures streamlined installation

SupremeFX for customizable audio

Built in WiFi

Pros:

Great for overclocking, with dedicated onboard clock generator

Works with latest Intel CPUs

ATX form factor leaves plenty of room for expansion

Customize aesthetics with RGB lighting

Intelligent, automated tuning with 5-way optimization

Cons:

Built in WiFi is not as reliable as others or as Ethernet connection

Verdict

The Asus ROG Maximus XI Hero Z390 Gaming Motherboard is one of the best gaming motherboards available, from one of the top brands, Asus. This motherboard is perfect for any pro gamers who want a custom rig with plenty of overclocking options. If you want the highest performing gaming PC, this motherboard can work all parts to their highest potential. For a high end motherboard, it’s also not too expensive.

Cons:

Complaints of buggy BIOS

Verdict

If you’re looking for a good AMD motherboard, the MSI MPG X570 Gaming Plus is a great choice. It is extremely affordable for all it offers, as most other X570 motherboards of this caliber are in the 200+ price range. The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Plus Motherboard is capable of overclocking, so you can push your gaming experience to the next level, and the ATX board has room to add whatever features matter most to you.

Full RGB lighting control with built-in LEDs and strips powered by Asus Aura Sync

Dual M.2 slots for SSDs

Built-in WiFi

8-channel HD gaming audio by RealTek

Pros:

Great budget gaming motherboard

Fits latest Intel processors

Overclocking capable

Highly customizable

Full RGB color control

Cons:

Integrated WiFi doesn’t work as well as other connectivity options

Verdict

The Asus TUF Z390 Plus Gaming Motherboard is probably the best budget motherboard for gamers. If you need a powerful gaming motherboard on a budget, this is a top pick. It is durable and has lots of power, and it works with the latest Intel CPUs. Gamer’s Guardian allows for great overclocking features, and there’s plenty to control and customize from fans to lighting to audio.

Pros:

Cons:

On the expensive side

4 phase VRM can lead to overheating during overclock

Verdict

The Asus ROG Strix Z390-E Gaming Motherboard boasts a lot of great features. It can overclock better than many others, pushing your gaming PC to higher levels of performance, but there are some issues with overheating, so consider your cooling system if you choose this motherboard. Asus has great customizable features and software, so fine-tuning this motherboard is easy with smart optimization features. It even works with some of the latest VR headsets. For the price, this is a good gaming motherboard.

Cons:

Some users complained of a buzzing sound or feedback static

Trouble updating BIOS

Verdict

The Gigabyte Z390 UD Gaming Motherboard is very durable, with features like solid pin connections and stainless steel shields over PCIe slots. This gaming motherboard is affordable for all it comes with, although there are better options out there. Some user reviews show issues with this motherboard, but it still has great ratings overall and works well, with plenty of great features to add to your gaming PC.

Pros:

Compatible with AMD computers

Overclockable

Great scalable and customizable BIOS

VR compatible

Affordable

Cons:

May need help with cooling; some reports of overheating

No WiFi included

Verdict

The MSI X470 Gaming Plus is a great AMD motherboard on a budget. It can be overclocked, and it can handle multiple graphics cards to seriously enhance your gaming experience. The BIOS are easily scalable and customizable, so you can use this motherboard to create a gaming computer that works to your needs and specifications. While this isn’t the latest from MSI, it is a tried and true model.

Pros:

Cons:

No mention of overclocking ability

Complaints of loud fan noise

Verdict

The Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite Gaming Motherboard is another great pick from Gigabyte, and it works with the latest Ryzen AMD components. This motherboard has plenty of great features and works well based on customer reviews. The onboard WiFi connects easily, and Ethernet is an option as well, and it has great cooling features. The product does not specify the ability to overclock, however.

ASRock B450M-HDV Gaming Motherboard

Features:

Supports processors with AM4 socket including 3rd Gen Ryzen 3000 series processors and CPUs up to 105W

Chipset: AMD Promontory B450

Form Factor: Micro ATX

Memory: 4 DDR4 slots, up to 32 GB

Onboard WiFi

Plenty of available BIOS settings

Pros:

Inexpensive

Great features for smaller AMD gaming PC

Customizable BIOS

Cons:

Weak I/O shields

No custom RGB

Micro ATX has less room for expansion

Verdict

This motherboard from ASRock is under $100, making it the least expensive option on our list. If you’re on a tight budget and can’t splurge on a high end motherboard, this is a great pick. This is a micro-ATX motherboard, so it fits into smaller cases for those without room for an ATX mobo. It isn’t the best on the market, but for the price it will get the job done well.

How To Choose a Motherboard for Gaming

Gaming PCs are complicated, and if it’s your first time building a custom rig then you’ll probably need some help. The motherboard is one of the most vital pieces of any computer, as it connects each part and allows communication between them. Consider the following when choosing a gaming motherboard.

Chipset/Socket

The chipset controls communication between your motherboard, CPU, RAM, and other parts of your computer. It is permanently attached to the motherboard, and determines important factors like what components are compatible with your motherboard, expansion options, and whether or not you can overclock. The CPU socket will determine which processor you can use as well.

If you already have a CPU, be sure to choose a motherboard with a compatible chipset and CPU socket.

Form Factor

Most modern motherboards come in only three sizes, also called form factors. The most common form factors today are ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ATX. ATX is the standard, with the most room for expansion and added features. Mini-ATX is the smallest, and is best for those with smaller set ups and only one graphics card. Micro-ATX falls in the middle, both in terms of size and room for expansions.

Consider the size of your PC gaming rig and what you can feasibly fit, as well as the expansions you plan to add on your motherboard. You’ll need room to connect all of your parts, so consider your full gaming rig when making a purchase.

Ability to Overclock

Does your motherboard support overclocking? Many serious gamers overclock their gaming PCs to perform beyond the factory settings, but you’ll need a motherboard that can safely support this option. Consider whether or not you plan on overclocking, and buy a motherboard to fit your needs. If you aren’t going to overclock, there’s no need to spend extra money on a MOBO that has the ability.

FAQ

Will upgrading my motherboard improve performance?

The motherboard does not directly affect performance, but it can indirectly affect your gaming performance. Motherboards can help connected parts like your GPU or processor work better or worse, so a good motherboard offers stability to the other parts of your gaming PC. You should choose your motherboard based on its compatibility with other parts, as those will affect performance and must work together with the MOBO. If you want overclocking capabilities, your motherboard can have an affect on this.

Does the motherboard affect FPS?

A motherboard does not directly affect FPS. FPS is controlled by the CPU and GPU, so as long as your motherboard is compatible with these parts, it should not affect the frame rate.

Does the motherboard affect GPU?

The motherboard does not affect GPU performance, typically. If you only use one graphics card, then any quality motherboard will work well so long as all the parts fit together. If you’re using multiple graphics cards or overclocking the GPU, then you would need a higher end motherboard to fit multiple cards or to safely overclock.

Does the motherboard affect RAM speed?

Yes, the motherboard affects RAM speed. Your motherboard must be compatible with your RAM module, or else it will not work or it will only work to the motherboard’s threshold.

Do all motherboards have WiFi?

No, not all motherboards come with built-in WiFi connectivity. All motherboards should have room for a WiFi card to connect to the internet, unless you’re using an ethernet cable. Built-in WiFi motherboards are good for intense gaming, but they are not a necessity and can increase the price of the motherboard. A good gaming router and a WiFi chip work just as well.

Final Thoughts

Putting together your own custom gaming computer is an exciting project, but it’s important to get all the right parts. Pick from the best motherboards for gaming and find the best fit for your gaming PC! Find all the best gaming parts here on iDapt.